Height adjustable stands



March 27, 1956 J. LYNN 2,739,849

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE STANDS Filed Sept. 1, 1950 Q 2 Sheets-Sheet 1,

Jon/v LYN/v i lwygj March 27, 1956 J LYNN 2,739,849

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE STANDS Filed Sept. 1, 1950 2 Sheets-Shee 2 53 Jay 7 INVENTOR.

L wwv l ATTORNEYS.

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE STANDS John Lynn, Alice, Tex. Application September 1, 1950, Serial No. 182,741 3 Claims. (Cl. 304-29) This invention relates to improvements in height adjustable stands.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of a very strong and durable height adjustable stand adapted for use in garages and machine shops, and in other industrial establishments for the support of workmen at varying heights.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a height adjustable stand constructed of structural steel which is adapted to support a number of workmen or heavy bench loads, and which may be adjustable to varying heights; the same being collapsible into a very compact space, and having improved means to permit the same to be stood on end.

A further obiect of this invention is the provision of an improved height adiustable stand having improvedmeans for the adjustable support of a step which may be leveled to conform to the height level of a platform associated therewith.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved heavy and durable structural steel supporting stand having a compactarrangement of parts and improved detent means for the support of a platform at varying heights.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will 40 In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this appear in the following detailed description.

specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts thruout the several view- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved stand in an elevated position.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken longitudinally thru the improved height adjustable stand showing in dotted lines the manner in which an operator may control the lowering of the platform structure.

Figure 3 is a transverse cross sectional view taken thru the stand substantially on the line 33 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the collapsed stand with platform cover partially removed.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the stand in collapsed position.

Figure 6 is a side elevation showing how the stand in collapsed position may be supported in vertical position.

Figure 7 is an end elevation of the stand in collapsed position.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view showing how the stand may be transported upon wheels. v

Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a platform structure associated with the top construction of the stand and also a rim flange adapted to be associated therewith when the platform is to be used for holding tools, work, etc.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts thruout the several views,

the letter A may generally designate the height adjustable stand. It includes a base structure B, top construction C in the nature of a platform; leg supporting means D; detent means E for holding the platform structure at a desired elevation with respect to the base, and an improved step or tool supporting stand structure F.

The base B preferably consists of a pair of side channels 10 and 11 connected at one end by means of a right angled cross channel 12, and at the opposite end by a flat bar 13. All connections are preferably welded. The base structure as thus described is elongated, that is, the channels 10 and 11 are longer than the cross members 12 and 13, and the channel passageways of the members 10, 11 and 12 face inwardly, for a purpose to be subsequently described. The frame structure 15 of the platform C preferably consists of guide channels 16 and 17 of the same length as the channel members 10 and 11 of the base structure, and a cross channel 18 corresponding to the channel 12 of the base. The frame structure 15 furthermore includes a cross bar 20, similar to the cross bar 13 of the base. All of these parts are welded together and the channel passageways of the platform frame structure 15 faced inwardly.

The improved leg structure D preferably includes a pair of pivoted cross legs and 26 cooperating be tween the channel pieces 11 and 17, and a similar pair of pivoted cross legs 27 and 2t cooperating between the channel members 10 and 16.

The legs 25 to 28 inclusive are preferably of hollow rectangular or square cross section. The legs 26 and 28 are each of a single length of material from end to end, but the legs 25 and 27 are constructed in such manner that the pairs of legs at each side may be most These portions 30 and 31 are relatively offset. That is,- they are not in alinernent but are disposed in parallel but offset position and connected in this relation by meansof spaced plates 32 and 33 which are welded to the portions 30 and 31 in order to hold the latter in this relationship. The plates or bars 32 and 33 are spaced to conveniently receive therethru the complementary legs 26 and 28, as shown in Figure 1 and elsewhere in the drawings. 26 are pivoted together at 35, in the manner described,

and similarly the legs 27 and 28 are pivoted together The legs 25 and 27 at their lower ends are pivoted at 37 and 38 respectively to the base rails 11 and 10 adjacent to the cross channel 12. It will be noted from Figure 1 of the drawings that extension pieces 40 and 41 are welded to the cross channel 12, in spaced relation with respect to the side portions 10 and 11 of the base, and the pivot pins 37 and 38 are supported not only in the main body of the channels 10 and 11 but also upon these extension 40 and 41, as shown.

The plate portions 32 of the legs 25 and 27 may be reinforced and connected by means of a cross bar 150 weldedor otherwise secured thereto.

In like manner the legs 26 and 28 are pivoted at 44 and 45 to the top channels 16 and 17 of the platform frame 15, and here again the channel 18 of the frame 15 has to aid in the supextensions 46 and 47 welded thereto The legs 25 and 27 at their upper ends are pivotally connected to a slidable cross angle bar 50. The ends of the angle 50 are provided with extension pieces 51 which slide in the passageways of the frame channels 16 and 17, as shown in Figure 1. In spaced relation with 'j the slide pieces 51 there are extension pieces 52 Welded to the angle 59, at each end. These extensions 51 and Intermediate their ends the legs 25 and 52 receive pivot pins 53 by means of which the upper ends of the legs and 27 are pivoted to the slidable angle bar fill. The ends of the cross bar are disposed in the channel passageways and this together with the extensions 51 slidable therein enables the bar 50 to slide along the channels 16 and 3.7, for substantially the full length of the channels, during the elevation and lower ing of the platform structure.

In manner similar to that above described for slidably mounting the legs 25 and 27 upon the platform structure, the legs 26 and 23 are mounted upon the channel pieces 10 and 11 of the base B. To that end a slidable angle piece is provided, having the ends thereof extending into the passageways of the channels 10 and 11; the ends of the angle 60 being provided with extension pieces (not shown) similar to 51 of the angle 50, which slide in the passageways of the channels 10 and 11. Similarly, spaced extensions 63 are provided, and these parts receive pivot pins 64 by means of which the lower ends of the legs 26 and 28 are pivoted to the slidable bar 60.

The detent structure E preferably comprises a U-shaped frame which fits snugly inside of the members 10, 11 and 13 of the base B. This frame, designated at 70, includes the rack bars 71 and 72 provided with notches 73 inwardly of the lower edges thereof. The bars 71 and 72 are pivoted upon the pivot pins 37 and 38 above described. The defeat frame at the opposite ends of the legs 71 and 72 is provided with a cross bar 76. The notches 73 are adapted to receive the upstanding flange of the cross piece 69, as is shown in Figure 1 of the drawlugs, and when so positioned the platform structure C will be held at the desired elevation above the base, in a secure and efficient manner.

The detent means E furthermore includes means to swing the bar end 76 of the detent frame 70 upwardly to move the notches out of engagement with the flange of the cross angle 60. This means preferably consists of an operating rod 80 the ends of which bear in the channel 12 and the cross piece 13 of the base 13. At one end the rod 80 is provided with a crank arm 81 operating beneath the bar 76 of the detent frame 70. The opposite end of the rod 80 extends thru the channel 12 and there is provided with a foot pedal 82 extending in right angled relation with respect to the axis of the rod 80 and opposite in direction to the crank arm 81. As shown in Figure 3 of the drawings springs 85 under tension urge the cross bar 76 downwardly into collapsed position, and this positions the notches 73 for receiving the flange of the cross angle 69. The application of the foot pressure upon the pedal 32 will turn the rod 80 and move the crank arm 81 upwardly and thus lift the bar 76 and the detent frame 70 therewith so that the notches 73 will disengage the flange of the angle 60. This will permit the manual elevation or lowering of the platform.

The construction F may be called a tool supporting stand or a step upon which the workman may rise to a position upon the platform C, should the latter be in elevated position. To that end the construction F includes a tread or tool supporting platform mounted upon the lower flanges of side angle pieces or bars 91 and 92 and a cross angle piece 93 which connects at the outer end of the angle pieces 91 and 92. The bars 91 and 92 at their inner ends are pivoted upon the pivot pins 35 and 36 above mentioned. Pivoted at 95 to the under side of the arms 91 and 92, adjacent to the outer ends thereof, are rack bars 94. The lower edges of the rack bars 94 are notched and adapted to cooperate upon a supporting bar 96, which extends transversely between the legs 25 and 27 and is rigidly connected therewith. The rack bars 94 are braced at their free ends by means of a cross piece 99.

The tread supporting bars 91 and 92 may extend beyond the pivots 36, since obviously the tread 90 may be used as a supporting platform of any desired length,- for supporting tools, etc. To limit its collapsed position upon the legs 25 and 27, pieces are provided at the sides thereof extending beyond the supporting arms 91 and 92, as shown in Figure l of the drawings. The engagement of these extensions with the legs 25 and 27 is shown in Figure 4.

It is readily obvious that the step or tool supporting platform structure F may be disposed parallel with the plane of the platform structure C at any height of the latter, merely by lifting the platform F and placing the proper notches of the bars 94 upon the supporting bar 96.

In order to prevent tipping of the structure while in elevated position, should the operator stand upon the step F, the base frame B is provided with an arched extension 110, welded at its ends at 11.1 to the ends of the base channels 10 and 11.

It is merely necessary for the operator to grasp the handle portion 112 secured to the cross channel 18 of the platform structure C and lift upwardly in order to elevate the structure. Remembering that the movable end of the detent frame 70 is spring urged downwardly, this lifting action will cause the cross channel 60 to slide beneath the rack bars 71 and 72. It is to be noted that the notches 73 are sloped at an edge of each to permit the elevation of the platform structure without the necessity of pressing upon the pedal 82 in order to lift the rack bars. However, the notches are formed with opposite right angled edges, so that when the operators grasp is released the notches will drop to engage the upwardly extending flange of the angle piece 60 and hold the platform elevated. When it is desired to lower the platform structure the operator presses the pedal 82 in order to lift the pivoted end of the frame 70. The operator, of course, grasps the handle 112 and the platform structure can be manually lowered with ease into the collapsed position shown in Figure 5.

The bowed extension is provided with an upwardly extending handle 115 connected therewith. This may be grasped by the operator when it is desired to wheel or move the stand structure A to a convenient position.

For this purpose the channel bars 10 and 11 at the ends thereof adjacent the cross bars 13 are provided with U-shaped supporting frames 116 welded thereto. They rotatably support wheels 117. These parts project beyond the ends of the frame B and permit the ready wheeling of the stand, as shown in Figure 8. The frame pieces 116 extend beyond the outer periphery of the wheel, as shown in Figures 6 and 8 and provide supporting legs for the vertical support of the frame structure in collapsed position. The channel pieces 16 and 17 of the platform frame 15 are similarly provided with leg extensions 120 to aid in such support.

In vertical position the base and platform may be spaced as desired to stably support the structure in vertical collapsed position.

The platform top may be of reinforced or suitably formed sheet metal. It is flanged marginally at 131 to engage about the outer surfaces of the channel pieces 16, 17 and 18, and the bar 20 as shown in Figure 9. The platform or top 130 is readily removable.

Should it be desired to use the platform structure as a support for tools, work, etc., a rectangular-shaped rim may be provided, constructed of angle pieces which may engage about the sides and ends of the platform structure; little gusset pieces 141 are provided at the corners for supporting the frame structure 15 upon the platform structure, as shown in Figure 9. The angle flanges extend upwardly above the top surface of the top wall 130 to serve as retaining means to maintain the work, tools, etc. upon the platform structure.

Supporting pieces 145 are welded at the corners of the base B to contact the floor upon which the device rests. These are important to take wear, inasmuch as the stand will often be pushed across the floor, and also they stabilize the stand and prevent it from rocking. It is also to be noted that stop pieces 146 are welded to bars 71 and 72 to limit the upswing of frame 70.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that a very durable and compact structure has been provided which is extensible in height in order to perform the functions for which it is adapted. Some modern pasenger cars are so dimensionally constructed that it is difiicult for the workmen to reach the engine and other parts. It is necessary for workmen to stand upon elevated platform structures in order to satisfactorily reach the work. Also, in connection with present day trucks, having high fenders and for other automotive repair uses, the stand will find utility. As above described, the parts are so durably constructed that a number of operators can stand upon it at the same time and the device if used as a Work bench can support many hundreds of pounds. When used as an engine support the platform top wall and border frame structure may be removed, and the engine supported between the channels.

Various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A height adjustable stand comprising a base structure, a platform structure, pairs of supporting legs between the base structure and the platform structure, each pair including two pivotally connected legs in X-shaped relation, each of said pairs of legs including one leg pivotally connected on a fixed axis to the base structure and the other leg of each pair of legs being pivotally connected on a fixed axis to the platform structure, an auxiliary platform structure pivotally connected to the pairs of legs on the same pivot axes as the two legs of each of the pairs of legs, a cross bar connected to the legs of the pairs of legs which are pivotally connected on fixed axes to the base structure between said pivot axes and the pivot axis of the auxiliary platform structure, rack bars pivotally connected upon the auxiliary platform structure at a free end having notches therein for engaging the cross bar last mentioned whereby to support the auxiliary platform structure in a supporting position substantially parallel with the platform structure when the latter is extended above the base, means movably connecting the pairs of legs at their opposite ends from the fixed axes connection with the base and platform for sliding movement along the base and platform, detent means to hold the X-shaped legs of the pairs of legs in desired angular relation to support the platform at a desired distance in parallelism above the base structure, the base structure, platform structure and auxiliary platform hearing such relation to each other that they may be collapsed in substantial parallelism, with the auxiliary structure disposed between the base structure and the platform structure.

2. A height adjustable stand comprising a base structure, a platform structure, pairs of X-shaped legs, each pair comprising two legs pivotally connected together intermediate their ends, means pivotally and slidably connecting said legs at their ends to the base structure and platform structure whereby upon pivotal movement of the legs of each pair of legs the platform structure may be adjusted in parallelism with the base structure at a desired height, a detent frame pivotally connected at one of its ends to the base structure and at its opposite end being movable toward and away from the base structure, said detent frame including rack bars with downwardly facing notches, a cross member connected to the ends of those legs which are slidable along the base structure in position to normally engage in said notches to hold the platform structure against collapsing upon the base structure, spring means normally urging said rack bars into such relation that the notches will receive said cross member, and lever means mounted upon said base structure for lifting the movable end of the detent frame whereby to free the notches thereof from said cross member and permit collapsing of the platform structure upon the base structure.

3. A height adjustable stand as described in claim 2 wherein the lever means comprises a bar rotatably mounted upon the base structure having a crank lever at one end engaging the free moving end of the detent frame, and a foot treadle crank lever at the opposite end of said rod for rotation of the rod in order to selectively lift the frame against its normal spring action.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 260,210 King June 27, 1882 399,220 Timroth Mar. 5, 1889 805,846 Flindall Nov. 28, 1905 876,857 Bugbee Jan. 14, 1908 1,082,403 Carr Dec. 23, 1913 1,359,527 Reed NOV. 23, 1920 1,423,366 Snook July 18, 1922 1,630,191 Liberman May 24, 1927 1,949,662 Schenck Mar. 6, 1934 2,043,887 Dement June 9, 1936 2,354,941 Treitel Aug. 1, 1944 2,363,619 Prieto Nov. 28, 1944 2,526,666 Johnson Oct. 24, 1950 2,556,207 Mueller June 12, 1951 2,578,264 Raymick Dec. 11, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 8,603 Great Britain of 1907 61,347 Switzerland of 1912 625,362 Germany Feb. 7, 1936 658,595 France Jan. 26, 1929 

